Leveraging the Power of Peers(sm)

Where Action Learning and Authenticity Circles Work Well -- and Where
They Don't

Authenticity Circles are a powerful and adaptable framework
that be used in a wide variety of applications for peer learning.
The framework can be used almost anywhere that people are meeting
real-world challenges in their own unique and personal way, for
example, solving complex problems, or reaching personal and professional
goals. Action Learning literature often calls these types of
challenges "problems".

Authenticity Circles and Action Learning are probably not
useful in applications where everyone would meet a challenge
in the same way, for example, building a computer room according
to certain laws and regulations. There's only one way to meet
that challenge and everyone would likely meet it in the same
way. Action Learning literature often calls these challenges
"puzzles."

Examples of Applications

The powerful Authenticity Circles and Action Learning framework
can be modified for use in a wide range of applications, for
example:

a free-standing program to develop skills in continuous learning
(skills in reflection and inquiry), listening and consultation

a leadership, management or employee development program
to ensure ongoing authentic participation, support and accountability
among participants

a peer coaching program to quickly expand personal and professional
coaching in a low-cost fashion across the organization

a peer training program to deepen and enrich one-shot trainings

means to ensure ongoing authentic participation, support
and accountability in a large organization development project

means to solve complex problems by reframing the problems
and taking ongoing actions toward resolution of the problems

means to ensure ongoing networking and support among executives
and professionals

Authenticity Consulting, LLC, can customize peer learning
programs to suit the needs and nature of almost any application.
For example, the following applications are those most often
requested from Authenticity Consulting.

appreciative inquiry skills development

leadership development programs

burnout and renewal programs

management development programs

coaching programs

nonprofit management development

continuous professional education

on-line Action Learning programs

continuous learning skills development

organizational change projects

distance learning programs

supervisory development programs

emotional intelligence skills development

support groups

employee performance management

team building

faculty development programs

training programs

Outcomes from Authenticity Circles

Types of Outcomes

Outcomes might be defined as impacts on participants and their
organizations in terms of enhanced knowledge, skills, attitudes
and performance. The particular outcomes achieved from a program
depend on the actual design the program and the various goals
brought to the program by its participants. Typically, outcomes
fall into five categories, including:

Personal Development

Management Development

Leadership Development

Team Building

Organization Development

Typical Outcomes for Participants

It's common for participants to report substantially improved
skills in listening, problem solving, sharing feedback, coaching,
assertiveness and facilitation. Members also report improved
motivation, productivity and team building. Because each participant
continues to work on a current, real-world challenge in their
life or work, there's often substantial progress toward problem
solving and goal attainment in their life and work. Other outcomes
depend very much on the particular application that organizations
and individuals choose to apply peer coaching groups.

Examples of Specific Problems Worked On By Members of Programs

Members can work on almost any current real-world challenge
as long as they are committed to addressing that challenge, have
sufficient authority to do so and are committed to learning at
the same time. For example, when someone or their organization:

Notices that materials from one-shot training sessions don't
seem to really get used